Spurs in the mix to sign “one of the best 10s in the world”, he’d help Frank forget Eze -opinion
Tottenham Hotspur may have made a winning start to life under new head coach Thomas Frank, securing three points in their opening Premier League fixture against Burnley last weekend, but the early optimism in North London has already been tempered by frustration away from the pitch.
While supporters were buoyed by the strong debut performance under Frank’s management, many feel that the club’s transfer business has once again fallen short of expectations. For a fanbase that has long demanded more ambition in the market, Spurs’ inability to secure several priority targets this summer has reopened old wounds.
A Mixed Summer of Spending
Chairman Daniel Levy has not been completely inactive. Tottenham have already splashed £85m on high-profile additions, including Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United and Mathys Tel from Bayern Munich. Both players bring quality, youth, and promise, and their arrivals were initially seen as a signal of intent.
However, the excitement was quickly tempered by a series of high-profile failings. Nottingham Forest playmaker Morgan Gibbs-White was strongly tipped to make the switch to North London after Spurs triggered his £60m release clause. Yet, in a saga that frustrated supporters, the deal collapsed before completion, leaving the player to remain at the City Ground.
This was not an isolated misstep. Questions are now being asked about Levy’s handling of negotiations, particularly after the club’s pursuit of another long-term target, Eberechi Eze, also ended in disappointment.
The Eze Transfer Collapse
For months, Tottenham had placed Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze at the top of their wishlist. With the collapse of the Gibbs-White deal, the 27-year-old became the priority target for the number ten role in Frank’s new system. Negotiations between Spurs and Palace reportedly advanced to the point where the player himself had agreed personal terms.
However, in a dramatic twist, North London rivals Arsenal swooped in at the eleventh hour. Mikel Arteta’s side moved swiftly, striking a deal with Palace and agreeing terms with Eze, effectively hijacking the transfer from under Tottenham’s nose. The news has left Spurs fans furious, seeing another marquee signing slip away while watching their fiercest rivals strengthen.
For Frank, the setback is significant. Losing Eze not only deprives him of a creative spark but also intensifies the pressure on Levy and the recruitment team to find a viable alternative before the September 1st deadline.
The Search for Alternatives
In light of this disappointment, Tottenham have been linked with several other creative midfielders. One option is Leicester City’s Bilal El Khannouss, a 21-year-old Moroccan prospect widely tipped for a big move this summer. However, Spurs may again face stiff competition, as Palace are reportedly lining him up as Eze’s direct replacement.
Another name gaining traction is Lucas Paquetá of West Ham United. According to reports, Spurs are closely monitoring the Brazilian’s situation, with the Hammers now willing to accept around £40m—half of what they demanded just a year ago. The significant price reduction has put Paquetá firmly on Tottenham’s radar, and many believe he could be the ideal solution to Frank’s creative midfield dilemma.
Why Paquetá Could Be the Perfect Fit
The potential acquisition of Paquetá is already generating excitement among sections of the fanbase. Not only does he represent a cheaper alternative to Eze, but his statistical output also suggests he could be even more effective in key areas.
Last season, Paquetá posted superior numbers in terms of creativity, ball progression, and clinical finishing. He averaged 5.1 passes into the final third per game—three times higher than Eze’s tally—and consistently delivered dangerous balls into the opposition penalty area. His ability to take on defenders and draw fouls also highlights his impact in advanced areas, making him a nightmare for opponents to contain.
Crucially, Paquetá also offers a more direct goal threat. His higher conversion rate from shots on target makes him a more reliable finisher, giving Frank a player who can both score and create. At just £40m, the Brazilian would represent not only a bargain but also a potentially transformative signing.
Spurs’ Urgent Need for Reinforcements
The urgency to secure a creative midfielder has been heightened by James Maddison’s ACL injury, which has left Frank without a recognised number ten in his squad. Against Burnley, midfielder Pape Sarr was forced into an advanced role, underlining the lack of depth and balance in Tottenham’s attack.
With less than two weeks left in the transfer window, time is running out for Levy and his recruitment staff. The collapse of both the Gibbs-White and Eze deals has already tested the patience of supporters, and failing to land Paquetá—or another player of similar calibre—would likely provoke serious backlash.
A Defining Few Weeks for Spurs
Tottenham’s start to the season has shown promise on the pitch, but their fortunes in the transfer market could ultimately determine how far Frank can take this team in his debut campaign. The potential signing of Lucas Paquetá represents an opportunity to turn disappointment into optimism.
For £40m, Spurs could land one of Europe’s most creative midfielders—a player described by analysts as “one of the best number 10s in the world.” If Levy moves quickly and decisively, Paquetá could arrive in North London not only as an Eze alternative but as an upgrade, giving Tottenham the spark they so desperately need.
If the deal falls through, however, the narrative of another wasted transfer window may once again haunt Spurs—a story fans have grown all too familiar with.